Space-based power grids introduction: Feasibility study

This paper introduces a viable alternative for space-based power transfer that is called space-based solar power grid (SBSPG). The SBSPG is a solar power network that consists of hybrid wire-wireless formations. Each formation has four units: (1) a solar power harvesting unit (SOPHU) located on a solar power station in a medium altitude orbit (MEO), (2) a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, (3) a transmission line structure (TLS) that connects the SOPHU to the LEO satellite; and (4) a power collecting base station (PCBS) on the earth. The paper discusses the details of its structure, and compares it with the traditional Geostationary space-based power transfer in terms of the harvested power on the earth. The pointing accuracy of the LEO satellite has an important impact on the power transfer efficiency of the proposed system. Thus, the paper also studies its mechanical implementation feasibility.